Child Benefits-Question:have you ever claimed public funds?

[willpolo]

Hi, I would like to say thank you first as I have benefited from this forum for a number of years. Once again, here is another question:

both me and my wife are Chinese citizen and are currently on Tier 1 Visa. In Aug 2011 we claimed child benefits for our son, we realised it is a mistake in March 2012 and soon called HMRC to stop it and have then repaid all the money back. I have kept all the proof. We have not lived in any other country apart from China and UK. Now I'm applying to extend my wife and son's visa. There is a question about public funds: Have you ever claimed any public funds? I think I will have to answer yes and write a letter explaining what happened and show the evidence that I have stopped it and repaid all the money back. Unless anyone can suggest a better option?

My question is: will they reject the visa because I claimed the public funds? I know it will certainly affect the application but how bad will the effect be? instant rejection or they will forgive me as I have stopped it and repaid everything.

The second question is: how badly will it affect my future ILR application (eligible later this year). Has anyone had any experience to share?

Thanks a lot for any help!

San

[Lucapooka]

Answer yes, explain the mistake, provide the evidence; it should not be a problem now or in the future.

[willpolo]

Thank you so much Lucapooka, I and my wife feel much relived. Just wonder if you could explain it a bit further: have you come across anyone with a similar situation and got their visa and ILR without trouble or UKBA is just relatively "loose" on child benefits?

Thanks again,

San